Antioch University

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Arts & Media at Antioch University Santa Barbara helps students convert existing technical or vocational expertise in art, design and media into an accredited undergraduate degree. The curriculum emphasizes the historical and cultural context of art and explores how art and media function as central platforms for marketing and communication in today’s media‑rich environment. The program is structured to accept substantial transfer and prior‑learning credit, shortening time to degree for experienced practitioners.

What you'll study

• Applied study areas referenced on the program page include makeup design, video editing and post‑production, and set design.
• Courses frame art from historical and cultural perspectives while examining its contemporary uses in marketing and communication.
• The major develops problem‑solving strategies and professional skills specific to arts and media careers.
• Degree requirements include foundational courses, upper‑division coursework and experiential learning to connect academics with workplace practice.

Entry requirements

• Applicants must have completed at least 24 semester credits (36 quarter credits) to be eligible for undergraduate admission.
• Students need 180–200 quarter credits to graduate from Antioch University Santa Barbara’s Bachelor of Arts program; a minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) credits must be completed at Antioch University.
• Applied Studies degree requirements include nine credits directly related to the degree, 60 or more upper‑division credits, eight experiential credits (internships, independent study, prior learning), and six interdisciplinary hybrid seminar credits focused on topics such as leadership, business communications, cultural contexts, justice and equity, or technology in society.
• Application materials noted on the program page: online application and fee (or waiver), official transcripts (unofficial allowed to start review), high school transcript or GED if under 90 quarter credits transferable, and an admissions essay following the specified formatting and prompts.
• Quarter start dates and final application deadlines are published (examples on the page include Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter terms with corresponding application dates).

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to leverage technical craft skills within broader arts, media and communication contexts. Typical pathways include roles in post‑production and video work, set and production design, makeup and costume departments, and positions that bridge creative practice with marketing or communications functions. The curriculum’s emphasis on professional problem solving and experiential credit is intended to support transitions into supervisory, freelance or studio practice and industry roles where both creative skill and contextual business knowledge are required.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

• Cost information on the program page notes a per‑quarter credit charge and class‑load categories (example: half‑time defined as 6–8 credits; full‑time 12–15 credits); the listed price per quarter credit is $535.
• Bachelor’s students must be enrolled at half‑time or greater to receive federal financial aid; Antioch’s office assists students in navigating loans, scholarships and grants.
• The page also highlights transfer credit and prior learning credit opportunities (up to 135 quarter credits transfer and up to 45 quarter credits for documented prior learning) which can accelerate degree completion and reduce overall tuition outlay.
• Additional program fees may apply (materials, graduation, transcripts, late registration, etc.), and a majority of students use some form of financial aid according to the site.